Headlamp or flashlight?

Q. What’s better for the outdoors: a headlamp or a flashlight?— Looking-for-a-light Larry, Orlando, Fla.

A. Larry, this is a good question. The biggest benefit to using a headlamp that’s strapped to your noggin is that it provides hands-free lighting. That means when you’re on an outing, you can cook, hike, read in your tent, go to the bathroom, etc. without holding a flashlight. Also, headlamps tend to be more compact and lighter weight than conventional flashlights. Headlamps usually have variable light levels and many also come with a flashing emergency light option. Sure, flashlights are great, but I’d say for the average Boy Scout a headlamp is the best choice.

23 Comments on Headlamp or flashlight?

I have a headlight, and its great, but there are some problems. once I was playing Manhunt my strap came out of the bracket and fell off, causing me to trip. Conclusion= headlights aren’t the greatest for running.

How about both in one unit? I carry a Micro Mag light (1 AAA battery size) with an elastic head strap (Included) that converts the flashlight to a head lamp. The light has 2 settings, bright and low light. Cost $10.00 (for both parts). Actually though, my favorite is the button light by Nite Eyz. This light attaches to a zipper pull, offers enough light for the tent and a stroll to the bathroom in the woods. These cost about $4.50 each and are the size of your thumb nail. I carry 2 on all outings.

Headlamp wins over flashlight for scouting. It keeps you hands free so you can work in the dark, and it is a must for caving. Usually a headlamp costs less too, and now they come in LED bulbs, so the batteries last longer.

Since I started using a headlamp, I will not go in woods without.Mariofan has good advice though carry a handheld as a backup.I recommend both using the same type of batteries, and not rechargeable. These tend to lose their recharge life and are expensive to replace.